Drukair launches educational outreach program for less privileged students

As part of its
corporate social responsibility, Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, has initiated
an educational outreach program under the banner ‘Tongsa Penlop Inspire
Program’ last week, which will be organized annually from 2018 onwards.

This new program will replace
the erstwhile ‘Trongsa Penlop Rolling Trophy’, which was a golf tournament
organized by Drukair annually.

The new program aims at providing
enriching experience for less privileged students and teachers identified from
remote schools across 20 dzongkhags to experience a fully sponsored excursion
to selected Drukair destination, according to the press release from Drukair.

“The ultimate goal of this
project is to inspire the students to strive and reach for new heights through
academic and personnel excellence,” states the press release.

Meanwhile, the Founder of this
noble initiative is Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen, who described that an opportunity to
travel abroad and to get to see the world differently will inspire less
privileged students for life.

The simple yet powerful belief
is what drives the Tongsa Penlop Inspire Program, according to Drukair.

Drukair’s Chief Executive
Officer said that this is the first time over the last three decades in
operations that Drukair is getting this opportunity to express its moral
gratitude to the humble citizens of the Kingdom for their continued and
unfailing support towards the growth of the National Flag Carrier.

Meanwhile, 20 girls and 20 boys
from all 20 dzongkhags will be escorted by two teachers to Thailand this year.
Additionally, two boys and two girls along with one male teacher and one female
teacher were also selected from the school of special needs, Wangsel Institute
of Drukgyal Central School. The group will be accompanied by two officials from
Drukair, three reporters from the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) and a
Zimpon Wom from the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s Office.

The selection process was done
with assistance from the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s Office.

Meanwhile, some highlights of
the tour include visit to Khao Keow Open Zoo, Dhammajairine Wittaya School in
Ratchaburi Province, Dream World, and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World at Siam
Paragon.

An airport tour including an
airplane hangar visit, tour to the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services facilities
and the in-fight catering complex at Paro International Airport has also been
organized for the students.

According to Drukair, children
will also be made to experience airport facilities allowing them to check-in by
themselves to the collection of baggage. An amount of US$ 500 per person for
the entire period has been provisioned as DSA for the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the program is
scheduled to start from December 20 till December 28. It is organized and
executed by Drukair with support from the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s Office and the Royal
Embassy of Bhutan in Thailand.

According to the press release, Drukair’s global partners provided generous sponsorships for this program.